Kahilu Theatre will hold its second Swing Spectacular 6 p.m. Sunday featuring the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra in the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort ballroom. The event will be a celebration of music, dancing, food and beverages that reflect the fun
Kahilu Theatre will hold its second Swing Spectacular 6 p.m. Sunday featuring the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra in the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort ballroom. The event will be a celebration of music, dancing, food and beverages that reflect the fun and nostalgia of the 1930s and ‘40s. Proceeds will benefit the educational programs of the Kahilu Theatre.
“Kahilu Theatre’s original benefactor, Richard Smart, performed during this era in the bright lights from New York to California to Honolulu and Waimea,” said Kahilu Board President Mimi Kerley. “We believe these special events help to fulfill his vision to offer our community quality arts programming.”
The Glenn Miller Orchestra, which features a unique jazz sound, is responsible for creating some of the most recognizable music in modern history, and has been hailed by some as the greatest band of all time.
All of the famous Glenn Miller classics will be performed by the orchestra and the accompanying Moonlight Serenaders. The concert will feature original music arrangements of icons of American culture such as “Chattanooga Choo-Choo,” “A String of Pearls,” “Tuxedo Junction,” “Moonlight Serenade,” “Little Brown Jug” and “In The Mood.”
“There will be plenty of room for dancing and we encourage folks to leave their Hawaii resort wear in the closet and dress the part for the occasion,” said Deborah Goodwin, executive director of Kahilu Theatre. “In addition to drawings and prizes for most authentic apparel for the era, there will multiple ways our guests will be able to show their support for the arts and our organization.”
Bandleader and musician Glenn Miller inspired the World War II generation and boosted morale with his many popular songs. He formed the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1937, which immediately attracted attention and big crowds to venues, and a series of recordings followed.
On Feb. 11, 1941, Miller was presented with the first-ever gold record for “Chattanooga Choo-Choo.” In 1942, at the peak of his civilian career, Miller decided to join the war effort. At 38, Miller was too old to be drafted, he persuaded the U.S. Army to accept him so he could, in his own words, “be placed in charge of a modernized Army band.”
In 1944, Miller mysteriously disappeared during a flight over the English Channel from London to Paris. His legacy as the most influential and famous bandleader and icon of the golden swing era continues to inspire, and his original recordings have sold millions.
Tickets are $133/$91/$59/$32 and can be purchased online at www.kahilutheatre.org, by calling 885-6868, or at the Kahilu Theatre Box Office between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
